By Damian Simoneaux, LWCC Safety Services Manager
Few workplace emergencies can be as dangerous as a fire. Beyond putting employees at risk, fires can cause significant property damage, interrupt operations, and create lasting financial impacts for businesses.
According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, nearly 110,000 fires occur each year in nonresidential buildings, including workplaces, schools, and other facilities, resulting in approximately $3 billion in damages.
October is National Fire Prevention Month, making it an important reminder for businesses to evaluate their risk, review emergency plans, and ensure employees know what to do if afire occurs. While fire prevention should be a year-round priority, LWCC, Louisiana’s largest workers’ compensation provider, encourages everyone to take the time to identify potential hazards and prepare, accordingly.
Where should businesses look for fire risks?
Fire risks can vary significantly from one workplace to another based on the location, materials, equipment, and type of work being performed. Understanding where those risks exist is an important first step in preventing fires and protecting employees, property, and operations.
- Electrical hazards: Damaged cords, overloaded outlets, improper extension cord use, and malfunctioning equipment
- Combustible materials: Improperly stored paper, cardboard, chemicals, fuels, and other combustible or flammable materials, particularly near heat or ignition sources
- Workplace conditions: Outdoor conditions, hot work, equipment, cooking operations, or other activities that may increase risk depending on the business
- Fire protection systems: Blocked exits or extinguishers and improperly maintained alarms, sprinklers, and other fire protection equipment can make it harder to respond safely when a fire occurs
How can businesses prepare for a workplace fire?
Preparing for a workplace fire starts with a clear plan, regular employee education, routine inspections, and steps to identify and address potential hazards. Businesses should consider the following as part of their fire safety planning:
- Create a plan: Protecting employees should be the first priority of any fire safety plan. Clearly display fire escape routes and the location of fire extinguishers. Assign key contacts to respond to an emergency after-hours or during a holiday closure. A clear plan reduces panic and ensures everyone can safely exit the premises.
- Educate employees: Make fire prevention a shared responsibility by regularly reviewing emergency procedures and evacuation plans with employees. Be sure to include temporary and seasonal workers and encourage employees to report potential fire hazards or other unsafe conditions.
- Inspect Safety Equipment: Routinely inspect and test smoke detectors, sprinkler systems, and fire extinguishers to confirm they are functioning properly and ready to use in case of an emergency. Ensuring employees know where fire safety equipment is located and how to use it.
- Reduce Fire Hazards: Keep combustible materials away from heat and ignition sources, avoid overloading electrical outlets, replace damaged cords and equipment, and maintain clean, orderly work areas. Routine inspections can help identify hazards before they contribute to a fire.
- Plan for Business Continuity: Fires can disrupt operations, causing financial loss and inconvenience. A fire safety plan can help minimize down time by addressing how to handle a fire situation effectively and expedite recovery.
How can LWCC help with workplace fire safety?
Fire prevention looks different for every workplace. LWCC policyholders have access to experienced safety consultants who can help identify workplace hazards, strengthen safety plans, and provide guidance tailored to their operations.
Through LWCC’s Consultants on Call, policyholders can connect directly with a safety professional for guidance tailored to their business. Policyholders also have access to free online safety resources and educational tools to help build a safer workplace year-round.
Click here to connect with a safety consultant and explore available resources.
More news
LWCC Named a 2026 Best Place to Work
LWCC’s people-first culture earns continued workplace recognition.
LWCC Raises $53,500 For Kids’ Chance, Helping Program Surpass $1 Million
Annual Speaker Series featuring communications strategist Andy Cunningham supports scholarships for children impacted by parent’s workplace accidents
Protecting Workers in a Changing World of Work
Practical ways employers can help keep workers safe and support them when injuries occur.
Frequently asked questions
This is a sample two line introductory paragraph that serves as an intro on the blog/article preview. This is just sample text serving as a placeholder.
This is a sample two line introductory paragraph that serves as an intro on the blog/article preview. This is just sample text serving as a placeholder.This is a sample two line introductory paragraph that serves as an intro on the blog/article preview. This is just sample text serving as a placeholder.This is a sample two line introductory paragraph that serves as an intro on the blog/article preview.
This is a sample two line introductory paragraph that serves as an intro on the blog/article preview. This is just sample text serving as a placeholder.This is a sample two line introductory paragraph that serves as an intro on the blog/article preview. This is just sample text serving as a placeholder.This is a sample two line introductory paragraph that serves as an intro on the blog/article preview.
This is a sample two line introductory paragraph that serves as an intro on the blog/article preview. This is just sample text serving as a placeholder.This is a sample two line introductory paragraph that serves as an intro on the blog/article preview. This is just sample text serving as a placeholder.This is a sample two line introductory paragraph that serves as an intro on the blog/article preview.
This is a sample two line introductory paragraph that serves as an intro on the blog/article preview. This is just sample text serving as a placeholder.This is a sample two line introductory paragraph that serves as an intro on the blog/article preview. This is just sample text serving as a placeholder.This is a sample two line introductory paragraph that serves as an intro on the blog/article preview.
This is a sample two line introductory paragraph that serves as an intro on the blog/article preview. This is just sample text serving as a placeholder.This is a sample two line introductory paragraph that serves as an intro on the blog/article preview. This is just sample text serving as a placeholder.This is a sample two line introductory paragraph that serves as an intro on the blog/article preview.
This is a sample two line introductory paragraph that serves as an intro on the blog/article preview. This is just sample text serving as a placeholder.This is a sample two line introductory paragraph that serves as an intro on the blog/article preview. This is just sample text serving as a placeholder.This is a sample two line introductory paragraph that serves as an intro on the blog/article preview.
